Stonehenge vs. other stone circles

I've been to both the Ring of Brogdar on Orkney and the Callinish Stones on Lewis. Both of these circles have many, many fewer tourists, but there's a reason beyond size and fame. They are a long, long way from London. There are lots of smaller stone rings. I visited Castlerigg near Kendall in Cumbria and the Cullerlie Circle in Aberdeenshire. It's still a ways from London, but a lot closer than the northern isles or the Outer Hebrides! There are some websites you might want to check. http://www.stonepages.com/ The circles vary in size, completeness and other issues.

Then also there is a circle of websites dealing with stone circles that you might want to explore. This is the main page and you should be able to get started here.http://www.webring.com/hub?ring=stonecircle Web rings like this link similar sites.

The smaller sites are wonderful to visit. I hope you make it to one of them.

I've been to Stonehenge and Avebury. I would say Stonghenge was a better place to visit - much more infomation posted around and guides etc.
I took a 1/2 day trip via bus from Salisbury.
I would recommend Stonghenge - amazing place.
FS

Stonehenge is iconic, you can't really compare it to any other stone circle. In fact it's not a stone circle at all - it's a monumental structure, a work of architecture. Try and get ‘special access’ either book it yourself, or do it via a specialist tour company. You will then get inside the stones (with only a few other people, and normally you can't get inside the circle), but it’s available only early morning or evenings (outside normal opening hours). You won’t be aware of the ‘commercialism’ if you do that, and the experience is unforgettable. It books up well in advance, so make your plans early. The ‘English Heritage Special Access’ page is below, and also a newspaper article which may help you enjoy the visit.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.878

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/stonehenge-builders-had-geometry-skills-to-rival-pythagoras-834313.html

Don't miss the opportunity to visit Stonehenge. True, lots of people go there but they do so because it really is a very special place. You'll be glad you included it in your trip.

I have been to both Avebury and Castlerigg. Both are worth the trip, with Avebury being closer to London. One of the neat things about Avebury is walking in the stones and the small village next to them. There are a 2 good museums about the place and do not miis the other sites nearby.

Castlerigg is also great with a very evocative lonely setting, but it is up in Cumbrai, a long train trip or drive from London.

Tom

I would suggest that you consider combining Avebury, Woodhenge then finally Stonehenge and make a day of it.
Avebury henge is totally free access, you just have to watch where you're walking with all the sheep. Its much better than Stonehenge in some respects like the actually henge circular ditch is still there and a real treat, banks must be 40' high compared with Stonehenge's where unless you wouldn't know its there unless told. The avenue up to the henge is also in place and again is very impressive. You can also walk up to the Marlborough Downs above Avebury where teh Sarson stones used for Stonehenge and Avebury still litter the ground. You can also go inside West Kennet Long Barrow burial mound, again free access. Stonehenge is 20 miles south, if you stop short at Wood Henge (free access) you can also see Durrington Wells the neolihic feasting village for Stonehenge and unlike most visitors walk up to Stonehenge along the original ceromonial route visiting more burial mounds and the Cirrus. If you look on the English Heritage web site, the walk you can download, though its a circular walk from Amesbury passng throgh Wood and Stonehenge

I have been to the standing stones on the Orkneys and Lewis. I've also been to Avebury. I loved them all. However, there is only one Stonehenge. I was last there six years ago and it certainly wasn't commercialized. But you can't walk among the stones like you can the smaller sites such as Avebury. Each circle is different and they all have their charms. But Stonehenge is the biggest and most impressive in my opinion.

Tony said it the same way I would. Stonehenge is an icon. It was one of my lifetime must-sees.

Other stone circles are interesting and easy to access but Stonehenge is Stonehenge.

I'm still not sure I want to spend valuable time gazing at Stonehenge from behind ropes. Also not sure if i want to go through the trouble or cost of setting up a "private tour" when it'd be much easier to simply walk right up to one of the other stone circles without an appintment, line or ropes. For those of you who say I shouldn't miss Stonehenge simply because "it's Stonehenge" ...can you give any other reason?

I had too many friends say that it was a big disappointment. I've been to London about 5 times (about a week each) and still haven't made it...I keep saying I will and have always wanted to, but other things keep being more important.

Megan, Stonehenge is the biggest, as in tallest, most impressive and most dramatic. The other stone circles I have seen have much smaller stones. For me, it's the one that makes my jaw drop the most.

However, I know people who saw it and said -- so what. So follow your instincts. Just because I thought it was great, does not mean that you will.

IMO Stonehenge should be seen at least once. There are comments regarding not being able to get close enough but we managed to take incredible photos of the stones. It was one of those cloudy and chilly English mornings and perfect for photo ops. We had the Heritage Pass and began using it at Stonehenge. Avebury stones are so spread out it is possible to lose the total effect of the circle.

Hi Megan,
It almost seems to me that Stonehenge may not hold a lot of interest for you if you need to be convinced to go there. My husband and I visited on our recent trip and found it to be a great experience. There were not a tun of people at the time we went, but it is certainly an attraction. From my own experience there is a feel to the area at Stonehenge, unexplainable. I think that it really comes down to what you want, there will always be people for or against any thing you ask about here. If Stonehenge is not for you, check out one of the other stone circles that others have talked about.

In 2003, I took my 11 year old son on a special access tour to Avebury and Stonehenge. We were in a mini-bus and it was a pleasant afternoon. I believe we left around 3pm, saw Avebury first, the a burial mound, had time for dinner in a pub, then went to Stonehenge just after it closed to the public.

Avebury has a huge spread out stone circle that basically circles the town. We walked a lot of the circle, out there with the sheep, and it was not overly crowded if you walked away from the other tourists. It's absolutely unlike Stonehenge though, as the stones are widely spaced and we didn't get the same feeling as at Stonehenge - much less the same kinds of pictures.

At Stonehenge, we were able to walk among the stones (ie, we were not behind the ropes) and there were only about 15-20 people there. You can take the scene in at one time, picture opportunities were great and I was very glad I did it.

At the time I was there, they were talking about the project to put the nearby highways underground or something like that to make it look even better, but I thought it didn't seem as commercial as I would have expected. Of course, A lot can change in 5.5 years.

Megan,

As others have said, Stonehenge is not just another stone circle that happens to be famous. It's a monumental architectural achievement.

If you are into things like ancient history/spirituality/archaeology/anthropology, then Stonehenge is one of the top sites in the world. If not, then maybe it's not a must see for you. But I think the experience is great (I've been there twice and would love to go back in the future for the special access tour) and not nearly as crowded or commercial as some suggest. It's not like there's a mall next door or anything.

If it doesn't sound like you're thing, then don't do it just satisfy someone else or check it off. But don't think that you can visit another stone circle and get the same experience. Nothing compares to Stonehenge.

They are quite different. Stonehenge is prob easier to get to. However I loved Avebury(prob need a car to get to) as you can walk in amongst the stones and circles. the setting is very natural, it is mystical as you can get so close. read about them ahead. there is a store adjacent that sells info/books and a pub that you can eat and read in then walk in the circles. for me it was a full day of joy. Castelrigg pales in comparison.

Thank you so much for all the help in making this tough decision. I think we are going to go to Stonehenge for a special-access tour, and also visit Avebury. I really appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions!

If having to pay and entrance fee, a gift shop and a place to buy a cup of tea is ones idea commercialization then I guess Stonehenge is commercialized. The reason for this is that it's the most popular of the henges. It's not just a stone circle it's "The" stone circle. What does a little commercialization do do with the merits of a place? If we stopped going to places that were commercialized we'd have to stop going to England. If you find the idea of the fences surrounding it a bit off putting, consider applying for private access. Just don't miss it.

You want another reason for visiting Stonehenge? The only answer is "why not?" BTW A fence first went round Stonehenge in 1901 and an admission charge was introduced. Access to the stone circle during normal opening hours ceased in 1978.

Glad you decided to check out Stonehenge. It is well worth it. If you ever get the chance, the circle on Orkney is also marvelous, for different reasons. if you are "sensitive" to it, both have a special feel. You get a sense of history! It was like when I saw my first real prehistoric drawings in real life and more!

Here's a 2007 discussion of Stonehenge, whether to go or not, and why, got lots of posts:http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=6213